NFL: Brown returns to Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Jim Brown has come back to the team he helped lead to its last NFL championship.

Brown will return in an unspecified role with the Cleveland Browns, who will formally reunite with the Hall of Fame standout at a news conference today. Brown previously worked as a senior adviser with the Browns. However, his role was eliminated by former team president Mike Holmgren and Brown had been estranged from the team for a few years.

NBA approves Kings’ sale

SACRAMENTO — The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Sacramento Kings to a group led by TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive.

The NBA said in a statement that the “transaction is expected to close shortly.”

After league owners blocked the sale and relocation of the franchise to Seattle earlier this month, the Maloof family reached an agreement to sell a 65 percent controlling interest in the Kings to Ranadive’s group at a total franchise valuation of $535 million.

• PHOENIX — One of the most popular Phoenix Suns players from the franchise’s past will guide the team to an uncertain future. At the news conference announcing his hiring as Suns coach, Jeff Hornacek spoke at length about his readiness for the job and the influences that will guide him. Hornacek played the first six of his 14 NBA seasons with the Suns.

Roy introduced as Avs’ coach

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche introduced Patrick Roy as their new coach, turning to the Hall of Fame goalie to revive a franchise he once led to prominence.

Roy met the media for the first time since reaching a deal last week. In addition to coaching, he will also serve as vice president of hockey operations.

The 47-year-old Roy joins forces with former teammate-turned-executive Joe Sakic to fix a squad that’s missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

Ex-D2 QB found dead

DETROIT — One of the winningest quarterbacks in college football history was found dead in the woods of northern Michigan, days after disappearing while out fishing near his family’s cottage.

Cullen Finnerty, 30, who led Grand Valley (Mich.) State University to three NCAA Division II national titles and more than 50 wins during his four years as a starter, went missing Sunday. His body was found about 8 p.m. within a mile of where he was last seen.The cause of death wasn’t clear, but officials said foul play isn’t suspected.

England ready to play Ireland

LONDON — For the first time since hooligans rioted and forced their match to be abandoned 18 years ago, the England and Ireland soccer teams will take to the field today in a contest seen as a historic chance for redemption. Tensions are high in London ahead of the exhibition match at Wembley Stadium, which is being staged as part of the English Football Association’s 150th anniversary celebrations.